This is a story about a young girl whose parents quite suddenly had changed their plans for the future. Feeling sad and confused the little girl is sent to spend the summer with her grandmother and aunts. In the rural environment, she is comforted by conversations with her grandmother and neighbor, but continues to struggle with the upheaval in her life. A sudden destructive tornado teaches her that love from family and compassionate friends can restore you after sad and scary times, and disasters may destroy houses but not homes. Dr. Dorscine Spigner Littles holds the title Professor Emeritus from the University of Oklahoma Department of Human Relations having retired after 30 years of administrative leadership and professor of Human Relations. She has published in the academic field and produced documentaries on the history of African Americans, but wanted to write about the many defining moments in her life. 'Gathering Storm' was originally written as part of an anthology with friends, but was never published. The story is in honor of her grandmother, who was her hero, and the many other strong Black women who have shared their infinite wisdom with their children and other people's children. Dr. Littles has been the recipient of numerous community service awards. She is widowed with one adult son and three grandchildren.